T-cell receptor specific antibodies

Abstract

The present invention relates to an antibody or binding fragment thereof that binds to a fraction of T cell receptor variable alpha (TCR Vα) chains comprising at least two different TCR Vα chains but less than all TCR Vα chains or that binds to a fraction of T cell receptor variable beta (TCR Vβ) chains comprising at least two different TCR Vβ chains but less than all TCR Vβ chains.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an antibody or a binding fragment thereof that binds to a fraction of T cell receptor variable alpha (TCR Vα) chains comprising at least two different TCR Vα chains but less than all TCR Vα chains or that binds to a fraction of T cell receptor variable beta (TCR Vβ) chains comprising at least two different TCR Vβ chains but less than all TCR Vβ chains. Further, the invention relates to use of an antibody or binding fragment thereof for depleting a subpopulation of T cells.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]With their central role in the immune system, T cells normally provide protection from pathogens or malignant cells. Each T cell expresses a single form of a T cell receptor (TCR)—the structure which a T cell uses to recognize infected or modified cells. In some cases, however, T cells can be pathogenic and attack and destroy healthy tissues, as occurs in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Furthermore, as...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an antibody that can specifically deplete certain populations of T cells without depleting the entire population. This antibody can bind to a fraction of TCR variable chains that belong to different subfamilies. By targeting specific subpopulations of T cells, this antibody can be used in therapy without compromising the patient's immunological response to pathogens. The antibody can also be used to treat specific T cell-related disorders.

Problems solved by technology

In some cases, however, T cells can be pathogenic and attack and destroy healthy tissues, as occurs in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

Furthermore, as rapidly dividing cells, T cells are susceptible to genetic mutations that lead to highly aggressive T cell leukemias (TCL).

In some cases these T cells can lead to unwanted reactions in recipient patients, thereby becoming unwanted T cells because of their undesired toxicities.

Because these pan-specific mabs would lead to the deletion of all TCRs, they can only be used in limited situations because the immune system of the patient no longer can act via its TCR arm.

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